From 28 to 30 October 2024 in Manila, the Philippines, the Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia, Dace Melbārde, participates in the International Conference on Women, Peace and Security. Next year marks 25 years since the the UN Security Council adopted Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security. In order to assess the progress made, strengthen cooperation and jointly map new objectives for women’s full participation in peace and security processes, the conference brings together public officials and members of civil society, academics and other actors from around 80 countries worldwide.
In her statement to the conference participants on 28 October, Dace Melbārde called for further strengthening of women’s participation and empowerment in the world, ensuring both educational opportunities and promoting women’s economic activity. It is no less important to recall the situation of women in Ukraine and Afghanistan, placing focus on the importance of protecting women’s rights in conflict zones as well as in the post-conflict process.
At the conference, the Parliamentary Secretary chaired a high-level discussion on practical measures that countries have put in place in various regions around the world, such as awareness raising among the public, educating women and girls, engaging in decision-making, provision for the specific needs of women in the armed forces. Officials from the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, the Philippines, Libya and Mali participated in the panel.
Tomorrow, on 29 October, the Parliamentary Secretary will also take part in a roundtable discussion on the role of parliaments in addressing the Women, Peace and Security Agenda.
31 October 2000 saw the unanimous adoption of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security. Latvia is currently implementing its National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security for 2020-2025. As a candidate for a non-permanent member’s seat on the UN Security Council for the term of 2026-2027, Latvia has set the Women, Peace and Security Agenda as one of its priorities.
